ATPL (A) Instruments & Navigation Aids

Thank you for purchasing my ATPL Instruments and Navigation Aids textbook.  I am sure you will find it valuable in assisting you to prepare for your ASPEQ ATPL(A) Instruments and Navaids examination and in developing your knowledge and understanding of the instrument and navigation systems of modern air transport aircraft.  That said, the best preparation you can get is to attend an approved ground course.


The textbook is designed to cover the requirements of NZ CAA AC61-1.7, Syllabus No 44, which is based on a multi-engine turbine air transport type aircraft.  The instruments and navigation aid items within this subject are those typically found in an airline-operated air-transport type aircraft.


According to the introduction to the syllabus in AC61-1.7, assessment of ATPL(A) Instruments and Navaids will include, but not be limited to, specific approved ‘representative’ aircraft.  However, at this stage no ‘representative’ aircraft has been specified by NZCAA, nor determined by ASPEQ.


Also, according to the introduction to the syllabus in AC61-1.7, the syllabus for ATPL Instruments and Navaids presupposes a knowledge and understanding already attained at instrument rating level.


This textbook comprises six sections:

Air Data Instruments;

Integrated Flight Instrument Systems;

Warning Systems;

Recorder Systems;

Navigation Aids;  and,

FANS (CNS/ATM).


The textbook has been written to cover the items in the syllabus, and well beyond, and the review questions are designed to focus your attention on ‘need to know’ material.


Finally a couple of thoughts.  If you are studying for your ATPL you are likely to have decided to pursue aviation as a career.  It is my opinion that at the ATPL level it is no longer adequate to study just to pass the exam.  That approach might get you the exam credit, but it certainly won’t prepare you for an airline interview.  Being an airline pilot is a profession and airline recruiters are very good at detecting those with a professional approach to their chosen career.  So my advice to you is to put in the effort and work hard to develop a thorough knowledge of the instrument and navigation systems of modern air transport aircraft.


It is human nature to assume that because something is written in a textbook or operational manual it is true.  This is NOT the case.  While I have attempted to provide a factual description of the various avionics systems in modern air transport aircraft, I have found many of my references are contradictory and of dubious accuracy.


I have done my best to provide an accurate description of the systems required to be covered by the CAA syllabus, however I am not an avionics engineer or designer, I am just a pilot and instructor.